The NBA draft is around the corner, and two players have separated themselves from the pack as the potential number one pick. One-and-done Duke University center Jahlil Okafor is one of the possible front-runners for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Both are in a rebuilding mode that would include looking for a prospect that is a force from the post. Okafor is from Chicago, a city known for its legendary basketball players, and could continue that tradition for one lucky team this June.
Okafor isn't what you would call a "can't miss" prospect, with parts of his game still needing refinement. But what skills he has already developed will suit the NBA very well. USA Today Sports explains how the style of most offensive plays in the NBA is conducive to Okafor's game:
"In pick-and-roll situations, Okafor finished at a points per possession rate of 1.588. That is extremely high level. Okafor's soft hands, which allow him to catch everything thrown his way, coupled with his ability to quickly get out of the point of attack in ball screen situations will translate very well to the NBA."
Okafor had a productive winning season in college, but to be able to add his name to the list of other great players to come from Chicago, he is going to have to do a lot more work. Okafor understands this being a student of the game and a proud Chicago baller. Sports Illustrated asks Okafor to name the best to come from the windy city:
"For me, it's a toss up between Isiah Thomas and Derrick Rose. I think Anthony Davis and Jabari [Parker], they're on their way but they're still young. Isiah, he's had the longest career of all of us, but D-Rose, Davis, Jabari, they're all coming."
His name isn't there yet. But it could be.
Who do you think should draft Okafor? How do you think his transition to the NBA will go? Tell us your thoughts below.
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